HOLY EUCHARIST
November 2, 2025 at 7:00 am & 9:00 am
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
All Saints Sunday & Ingathering of Gifts
Continuing the Season of Creation
| |
To attend online, join our Facebook LIVESTREAM*
Download the ORDER OF WORSHIP
Missed a service? Watch on YouTube any time.
*Note: If you have difficulty connecting to the livestream, try reloading your page.
| | |
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
- Stewardship
-
Support Hula Hālau O Kukui Aloha O Kohala on November 8 (this is the hula hālau that partners with and advises St. Augustine's).
- Upcoming services & events through January 2026.
- Why St. Augustine's is here and how are we living our mission.
- Pray for others and send us your prayer requests.
| | |
Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets."
"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
"Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
"Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.
"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. — Luke 6:20-31
| | |
Dear St. Augustine's 'ohana,
As we gather to celebrate All Saints Sunday, we'll hear the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Luke. When we hear this passage, our first impulse might be to sort ourselves into categories: Which one am I? Am I among the poor or the rich? Am I one who weeps or one who laughs? Have I known hunger or fullness? To which group do I belong: "blessed are you" or "woe to you"? In the context of a competitive society, we spend so much time identifying the winners and losers.
But perhaps that’s not the point of Jesus' words in this passage. Perhaps we are invited to hear the Beatitudes as a list of human experiences rather than identity-defining characteristics. Each of us experience both blessings and woes because we are human.
What may first appear to be a list dividing the blessed from the cursed is actually a portrait of the whole human condition. We are at once full and hungry, joyful and grieving, honored and rejected. The blessings and the woes belong together. They are not opposites—they are facets of our shared humanity.
The Beatitudes are not a checklist for worthiness. They remind us that in every circumstance—joy or sorrow, gain or loss—God is present. The Divine current moves through all of it. The list does not divide us into good people and bad people. The list unifies us, helping us consider the vast range of human experiences and hold compassion and love for all.
Jesus makes this clear in what he says next: “But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” The heart of the passage lives in these simple instructions, which invite us into compassion.
So as we celebrate the saints this weekend, we can ask God to guide us as God guides the saints who have gone before us, those living among us, and those yet to come. It's good to remember that "saints" are not perfect people. They are ordinary human beings who choose, again and again, to return to love. They practice kindness when it is difficult. They forgive when it seems impossible. They treat others not as judged by human standards, but as God sees them through the lens of divine love.
We can follow in the saints' footsteps! It’s simple but requires mindful attention. Treat people with kindness. Share love freely. Focus on what really matters for the good of the whole. This is where transformation begins: in meeting judgment with compassion; in meeting hatred with mercy; in meeting fear with love.
The realm of God is not a faraway reward for the worthy. It is what we step into when we live as though love is the truest thing about us—
because it is.
Blessings,
Vicar Jennifer
P.S., This Sunday, we will gather to celebrate the gifts of love we share in our community through our time, talents, and funds. Our mission is crucial during this time of uncertainty in the world! Your willingness to share your love is evident in the work we do at St. Augustine's to:
- Provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming spiritual home.
-
Address the high cost of living by offering low-cost goods in our Thrift Shop.
-
Address food insecurity through food preservation education; alleviating hunger by sponsoring the Little Free Pantry and partnerships to assist Kohala Cares, the Kohala Food Hub, and the North Kohala Community Resource Center & Resilience Hub.
-
Serve as a gathering place to foster a peaceful and collaborative community through music, arts, food, and fellowship.
Please bring your pledges and time & talents form to church on Sunday. Before we give thanks to God and share our Holy Meal together, we will place your pledges in the calabash to be blessed at the altar. What a beautiful way to look forward to the new year! Mahalo for all that you give to our church and community!
| | |
November 9 - Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost, 7:00 & 9:00 am
November 16 - Celebrating Queen Lili'uokalani
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, 7:00 & 9:00 am
November 23 - Celebrating the Holy Sovereigns Queen Emma & King Kamehameha - Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, 7:00 & 9:00 am
Find scripture readings for upcoming services and learn about the liturgical seasons in the Episcopal Church here.
| | | | |
Join our YouTube Channel
to view past services!
youtube.com/@staugustineskohala
| | | |
Sermons now available online.
During a recent Spirit School session, members asked whether sermons could be made available to read online. Beginning with the season of Pentecost 2025, sermons will be posted on our web site. Please feel free to share the links!
| | At a recent Spirit School session, we practiced the "listening process" our PCi team has been using to reflect on sermons. Deacon Lani suggested we share the listening process with everyone at St. Augustine's — a great idea! Copies of the listening questions are now in our pews (and linked below). Our PCi group has found the questions engaging and helpful not only for sermons but also to build better listening skills in general. We hope they enrich your life, as well! | | |
Laura La Gassa for serving as lay reader last Sunday.
Maurine Gomes for serving as Altar Guild.
St. Augustine's members who pray for others each week.
Members of St. Augustine's and the community who help sort donations and operate the Thrift Shop.
| | |
Many thanks for all that you do to show your support for St. Augustine's! Your gifts of time, talent, and funds allow us to be the love of God in our community.
WHY WE ARE HERE
We serve North Kohala by:
-
Providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming spiritual home.
-
Addressing the high cost of living by offering low-cost goods in our Thrift Shop.
-
Addressing food insecurity through food preservation education; alleviating hunger by sponsoring the Little Free Pantry and partnerships to assist Kohala Cares, the Kohala Food Hub, and the North Kohala Community Resource Center & Resilience Hub.
-
Serving as a gathering place to foster a peaceful and collaborative community through music, arts, food, and fellowship.
All gifts, no matter the size, make an incredible difference in our community! Mahalo for your support!
Visit the link below to access our secure giving site.
| | |
|
ST. AUGUSTINE'S PRAYER CHAIN
Please pray for healing, guidance, strength, peace of mind, and comfort for: Jonrick Medeiros-Garcia; Analene Williams; Michelle; Raeanne Tolentino; Barbara Desorio; Linda Blackston; Wendell Blue; Stephen Hoffmann; Nino Barraquiel; Alberta & Dave; Richard Elliot; Catalina; Maile Napoleon Spencer; Carol Dicus; Sheila Fujii; Patrick Tanaka; Janis Peach; Rita Masada; Brandon Weber; Suzie Cook; Caroline Doll; Leighton Purdy; Bruce Soll; Susan Acacio; Sabrina Lee; Jeannette Hensel; Erin Manuel; Guy Kaoo; Reni Aʻi aʻi Bello; Becky & Ludwig Simmet; Lynn Dicus.
REQUEST PRAYERS
If you or someone you know would like to be added to our prayer list, please email Patsy Ching or Vicar Jennifer. You can request prayers for yourself, your 'ohana, and anyone in our community or beyond.
During our Sunday services, you can write prayer requests on a piece of paper. Prayers will be read aloud or silently (per your request) during the Prayers of the People. You can also send us prayer requests through our online form. Mahalo for your care and prayers!
| | |
WEEKLY
-
FELLOWSHIP HOUR - Every Sunday after our 9:00 am service. We gather to enjoy conversation, coffee, and treats in Walker Hall. Please bring some savory or sweet treats to share! Mahalo to all who have been providing delicious food and to Jeannette Hensel for bringing coffee.
-
CHOIR - Join us Wednesdays at 5:00 pm to sing through the hymns for the following Sunday. All are welcome! Can't make it to choir this week? You can take a peek at the music in the order of worship for this coming Sunday (link is at the top of this newsletter).
MONTHLY
First Sunday
-
SPIRIT SCHOOL - Sunday school for adults - Join us for Spirit School, a short session for adults on a topic to enrich our spiritual life. Please let Vicar Jennifer know if there's a topic you're interested in or if you would like to present a Spirit School session.
Second Sunday
-
LAYING ON OF HANDS - Receive healing prayers for yourself or another at our 7:00 am & 9:00 am services. Mahalo to Rebecca Bartholomy for offering this important ministry!
-
FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS - Please bring shelf-stable, nutritious foods for the Kapa'au Little Free Pantry or donate funds for food to be purchased. Mahalo for your help with this ministry!
Third Sunday
-
KEIKI SUNDAY - All keiki (and their 'ohanas) are invited to join us for this once-a-month special service when Vicar Jennifer shares a Godly Play story and keiki can participate at the altar as we share our holy meal together.
-
BISHOP'S COMMITTEE MEETING - All members are welcome to join the Bishop's Committee meeting, held in the Sunday School classroom at 10:45 am after fellowship hour. As always, we welcome your questions about our planning and budgeting processes!
Fourth Sunday
-
PREACHING CONGREGATIONS INITIATIVE- This program teaches us how to listen to one another and how to speak with others about the love of God. Curious about what is being learned? Ask St. Augustine's lay cohort, Kathy Webb, Kirk Corey, Maurine Gomes, Laura La Gassa, Kim Lambrecht, and John Sakai during fellowship hour or when you see them out and about!
|
| |
LOOKING AHEAD
Here's a quick reference list. Please see below for details or check out our online calendar.
TODAY - October 31 - Trick or Treat from 4:30-5:30 pm
November 16 - Sunday services celebrating Queen Lili'uokalani
November 23 - Sunday services celebrating the Holy Sovereigns Queen Emma & King Kamehameha
November 27 - Thanksgiving Day
November 30 - Season of Advent begins
December 6 - Poinsettia sale - pick up pre-purchased plants at Walker Hall from 9:00 - 11:00 am
December 7 - Presentation by author Carl McColman: Read the Bible Like a Mystic - 10:30 am
December 14 - Keiki Giving Spree in our Thrift Shop - 11:00 to noon
December 24 - Christmas Eve service - 6:00 pm with potluck after
December 25 - Christmas Day service - 9:00 am
January 25 - Annual Meeting of St. Augustine's members and election of delegates - 11:00 am
| | |
STEWARDSHIP 2025
This year, our Stewardship Season theme is "Tell out my soul," helping us tell our stories of care and love for the world. In this time of unrest and uncertainty, we might feel powerless, but we can turn our attention to positive actions in our community. What is the story of your faith in action? How do you use the gifts God has given you to care for others? Some stories are about speaking out for justice and mercy; other stories tell of quiet, unseen acts of kindness. All our gifts are crucial; each act of love, compassion, and kindness contributes to the whole and makes a real difference.
This Sunday, we will gather to celebrate the gifts of love we share in our community through our time, talents, and funds. Please bring your pledges and time & talents form to church. Before we give thanks to God and share our Holy Meal together, we will place your pledges and time & talent forms in the calabash to be blessed at the altar. What a beautiful way to look forward to the new year! Mahalo for all that you give to our church and community!
| | |
CANCELLED FOR TODAY - SEWING WITH AUNTIE ANNIE
Due to our Halloween Trick or Treat, we'll cancel sewing for today, October 31. We'll resume next week! All are welcome to come learn to sew with Aunty Annie, who is a wonderful and patient teacher. Beginners and experienced sewers alike can attend. Adult sewing on Fridays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
| | |
SPECIAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S
Through Aloha In Action, Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s islandwide emergency response effort, 12 community food distribution sites are being activated to ensure residents continue to have access to essential food resources as SNAP benefits are paused.
St. Augustine's will serve as a distribution site November 6, 13, and 20. If you would like to volunteer to pack food, you are welcome to join us at 3:00 pm on those dates.
| | |
COMING TO ST. AUGUSTINE'S DEC. 7
Guest lecture "Meeting the Spirit in the Sacred Word"
Carl McColman, the author of books on Christian spirituality like Read the Bible Like a Mystic, is coming to Hawaiʻi and will be joining the St. Augustine’s community on Sunday, December 7!
Carl will join us for worship and then facilitate a conversation on “Meeting the Spirit in the Sacred Word.” The Bible is the sacred text of our faith, but so many people read the Bible in different ways — and sometimes use the Bible to sow division rather than foster unity in the Spirit. Carl invites us to learn from great saints and mystics throughout history who show us how to approach the Bible in a way that opens our hearts to the love and wisdom of the Spirit.
This program takes place during Advent — the season of preparation and waiting for the joy of the Christmas season — so we’ll pay close attention to how themes of contemplation, meditation, waiting and prayer can help us to meet the God of Love in the Word of God. You do not need to be a Bible scholar or an expert in theology: to read the Bible like a mystic, you simply need to be open to how the Love of the Spirit can heal and transform us, both as individuals and as a community.
Mahalo to our friends at St. James for funding Carl's trip to the Big Island and for sharing some of his time with us at St. Augustine's! Please join us to welcome Carl and his wife, Fran, to North Kohala!
| | | | |
If you are interested in reading Carl's latest book, you can order it on Amazon or see Vicar Jennifer to borrow a copy.
| | |
DO YOU LOVE OUR BEAUTIFUL CHURCH?
We are looking for a few people to volunteer to clean our sanctuary! Please contact Kathy Matsuda if you can help out on these dates (cleaning happens the Saturday before Sunday services):
December 13
Special thanks to Kathy Matsuda who has been picking up extra Sundays of cleaning. Mahalo nui to all who work hard to keep our church looking lovely!
| | |
NOTES FROM OUR BISHOP'S COMMITTEE
Our October meeting began with a prayer and an appreciative inquiry discussion (based on the sermon).
October Meeting highlights - discussions included the following:
- Budget report and plans for our Stewardship campaign and Poinsettia fundraiser
- Preliminary report on Annual Bazaar proceeds
- Thrift Shop operations report & strategic planning
- Completion of Food Preservation Workshops for 2025
- Buildings & Grounds team placed a new garbage can in the cemetery
Please let us know if you have questions or feedback! Contact any member of the BC or sit in on our next meeting on Sunday, November 19 at 10:45 am in the Sunday School Room.
|
|
ST. AUGUSTINE'S TEAMS IN ACTION
Our four core teams are hard at work! We're sharing updates each week as our progress unfolds. This month, we're highlighting our Spiritual Growth team that oversees Christian education. The team includes Vicar Jennifer and Lani Bowman. Among its activities so far in 2025, the team has:
- Organized a community screening of "Wai Wai: Water and the Future of Hawai'i"
- Facilitated the reconciliation course Ho'imi Pono
- Organized and facilitated Preaching Congregations Initiative for St. Augustine's
Future projects include hosting a guest lecture by Carl McColmann who will present on his book "Read the Bible like a Mystic."
Mahalo to all members of our Bishop's Committee and all members of our core teams: Buildings & Grounds, Family & Community Network, Finance & Stewardship, and Spiritual Growth. If you are interested in being on a core team or helping with a specific project, please reach out to Vicar Jennifer or any member of the BC.
| | |
If you have information to share, please let us know! This newsletter helps us stay in touch in a variety of ways, such as news, requests for prayers, offers of assistance, or information on garden bounty (fruits, veggies) you would like to share. VicarJennifer@staugustineskohala.com or admin@staugustineskohala.com Submissions due by Thursday morning for Friday's newsletter. | |
ST. AUGUSTINE'S THRIFT SHOP
| | PICTURED ABOVE - Evan (left) and Iris & Fran (right) helping prepare the Thrift Shop for our Annual Bazaar. They are three of many volunteers who assist us each week, and we are especially thankful for their efforts in the busy time leading up to the bazaar.
Mahalo to all who volunteer their time and talents with St. Augustine's Thrift Shop! | | |
SHOPPING & MORE!
Every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, our Thrift Shop offers great deals on wonderful treasures, but people come for more than that. We are also open the first Saturday of the month. Come see us tomorrow, November 1!
| | Our Thrift Shop is a place to see friends, catch up, enjoy a snack, and feel the warm kinship of others. Come gather, talk story, and connect with members of our community! Follow us on Facebook for news about recent Thrift Shop finds and upcoming events! | | | | |
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
Join the fun and serve our community by volunteering at our Thrift Shop. Please spread the word! Folks can contact admin@staugustineskohala.com
| | This issue's header photo was taken at Seabury Hall's Annual Pāʻina fundraiser on Saturday, October 18. Representing the Diocese on behalf of the Bishop are: Seated L-R, Ms. Kalani Holokai, Ms. Sarah Shim, the Rev. Heather Mueller; Standing L-R, the Rev. George Wong, Ms. Julia Golding, the Rev. Christopher Golding, the Rev. Amy Crowe, Mr. James Crowe, Mr. Joseph Cascio, Mr. Chuck Spence (Contributed photo) | | |
SEE OUR HULA HĀLAU AT REN FAIRE!
Over the years, St. Augustine's has been truly blessed by a lovely partnership with Hula Hālau O Kukui Aloha O Kohala and Kumu Hula Leia Lawrence. The hālau has contributed to worship services, funerals, land blessings, and Holy Week events and played a large role in the making and celebration of our kāhili. You might also remember that Mila Polevia was the hālau's musician — a shared connection we cherish.
Four St. Augustine's members are part of this hālau, and we hope you'll come see us perform on November 8 at 11:00 am as we provide the opening ceremony for the Renaissance Faire in Honoka'a. We'll have a fundraising booth there, as well, selling various refreshments and crafts to benefit the hālau and its work in our community.
| |
MESSAGES FROM OUR BISHOP
& PRESIDING BISHOP
| | | | At St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, all are welcome. ALL means ALL, without exception. This is how we live into our mission to "BE the love of God and to FEEL the love of God." | | | | | |
